Ball applicator assembly with shuttletype closure



Sept. 25, 1962 w. A. SCHAICH 3,055,041

BALL APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY WITH SHUTTLE-TYPE CLOSURE Filed Jan. 4, 1961 4Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Se t. 25, 1962 w. A. SCHAICH 3,055,041

BALL APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY WITH SHUTTLE-TYPE CLOSURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed Jan. 4, 1961 P 5, 1962 w. A. SCHAlCH 3,055,041

BALL APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY WITH SHUTTLETYPE CLOSURE Filed Jan. 4, 1961 4Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR [ram 0 flay/m ATTORNEYS P 1962 WIA. SCHAICH3,055,041

BALL APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY WITH SHUTTLE-TYPE CLOSURE Filed Jan. 4, 1961 4Sheets-Sheet 4 3,655,494-1 BALL APPLICATGR ASSEMBLY WITH SHUTTLE TYPECLOSURE Wilbur A. Schaich, Mauznee, Uhio, assignor to Owens- IllinoisGlass Company, a corporation of Ghio Filed Jinn. 4, H61, Ser. No. 87,98422 Claiuns. (3. 572) The present application is a continuation-in-partof my application Serial No. 723,506, filed March 24, 1958, nowabandoned, and the invention herein relates generally to a combinationball applicator and closure assembly for use with a dispensing containerto facilitate roll-on application of various fluid and semi-fluidsubstances and preparations, and more particularly this inventionrelates to an assembly of the aforementioned type which is characterizedby a shuttle-type closure or hood, which may be shifted or shuttledbetween alternative positions to respectively open and close theassembly and concurrently rotate the applicator ball withoutnecessitating detachment of the closure from the assembly.

Ball-type applicator and container assemblies have in many instances inthe past, found wide commercial acceptance as a convenient means ofapplying controlled amounts of various fluid and semi-fluid substancesin a relatively smooth and uniform manner. However, to prevent a dryingout, escape, or loss of the containers contents due to leakage,evaporation or other similar cause when the applicator is not beingused, it has been customary practice to enclose the applicator within aclosure, ordinarily having a generally conventional cup-shapedconfiguration which may be threadably or otherwise detachably fastenedon the dispensing end of the container or the applicator assembly foraxial movement relative to the applicator assembly. Obviously, in suchconventional types of applicator assemblies, the closure must becompletely removed from the applicator assembly or container prior toeach use of the applicator. Frequently, the closure is misplaced orimpaired, when removed from the assembly, and thereafter it usuallybecomes impossible to effectively prevent the objectionable drying out,escape, or loss of the containers contents. Thus, a substantial portionof the containers contents is frequently wasted. Also, such closureshave frequently been somewhat ineffective to prevent a drying out of thecontainers contents, particularly residual portions of such contentsremaining on the surface of the applicator or within the applicatorassembly.

Another common characteristic of conventional balltype applicatorassemblies is that even after detachment and removal of the protectiveclosure from the assembly, the applicator ball must ordinarily berotated in order to moisten or lubricate the surface of the ball withthe containers contents before application may be commenced.

Also it has been found that many types of fluids cornmonly applied inconjunction with such ball-type applicators possess extremely sticky ortacky properties and as a consequence of evaporation, dehydration or thelike, form a hard rough residual coating on the surface of theapplicator ball during the prolonged periods of time between each use ofthe applicator. Consequently, difficulty in subsequently obtaining asmooth and uniform application occurs. Further, when applyingdeodorants, medicants, colognes and the like onto the human bodyundesirable skin irritation may be occasioned by the resulting roughapplicator surface. Another undesirable consequence attendant with thegradual build up or retention of residual fluid on the applicatorsurface is that the rotation of the applicator ball is frequentlyimpeded or prevented.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved ball-type applicator and closure as- 3,955,9 il Patented Sept.25, 1962 sembly for use with a dispensing container, which obviates theundesirable necessity of removing and replacing the closure before andafter each use of the applicator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedapplicator assembly which is particularly adapted to obviate theaforementioned undesirable consequences attendant with residual fluidremaining on the surface of the applicator after use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedapplicator assembly wherein opening movements of the closure effect aforceful rotation of the applicator ball to permit a premoistening orlubrication of the applicator ball prior to use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedapplicator assembly wherein closing movements of the closure effect acleansing of residual fluid from the surface of the applicator ball.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedcombination comprising a ball applicator, closure and dispensingcontainer assembly characterized by the provision of a closure or hood,which is arranged for shuttle-like movement between alternate open andclosed positions while retained in assembled relation, and whichcooperates both to permit a smooth and uniform application of thecontainers contents and to effectively preclude undesirable and wastefuldissipation of the containers contents when the applicator is not beingutilized.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an assemblycapable of effecting the aforementioned objectives, and in such mannerthat the shuttle-like move ment of the closure or hood occurs in a pathintercepting an exposed portion of the applicating member and shiftingsame alternately between an applicating position and a sealed position,the latter position effectively precluding drying out, escape, or lossof the containers contents.

The specific nature of this invention, as well as other objects andadvantages thereof, will become apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theannexed sheets of drawings on which, by way of example only, threepreferred embodiments of this invention are illustrated.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view of a dispensing container andshowing in vertical central section on the neck of the container anapplicator and closure assembly embodying the present invention andarranged in an open or applicating position.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the assembly shown inFIG. 1, with the closure being illustrated in vertical central section.

FIG. 3 is a view taken substantially along the line 33 in FIG. 1, withthe applicating member being removed for purposes of clarity.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but for comparative purposesillustrating the assembly in closed non-applicating position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container neck portion with theclosure and applicating member omitted from the drawing.

PEG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container neck portionembodying a modified form of the invention, and likewise having theclosure omitted from the drawing for clarity of illustration.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are similar, respectively, to FIGS. 1 and 4 and illustratefurther aspects of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the plane 99 shown in FIG. 7, andfor purposes of clarity the closure and applicating member have againbeen omitted from the drawing.

FIGS. 10-12 are views similar, respectively to FIGS. 7-9, showinganother modified form of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 4, and illustrating still anothermodified form of the invention and with the assembly being illustratedin closed position.

FIGURE 14 is a vertical view of the assembly shown in FIGURE 13, withthe ball rotation section of the closure contacting the applicator balland with the closure being depicted in section for clarity ofillustration.

*FIGURE 15 is a view taken substantially along the line 1515 in FIGURE14.

Briefly, the general arrangement of the principal components of theassembly, organized in applicating position, is shown in FIG. 1. Asillustrated, a container ill is provided, which is suitable for theretention of various fluid and semi-fluid substances and preparations.The container 10 includes a reduced diameter annular neck portion 10ahaving means therein forming a pocket in which to support an applicatorball lit for universal rotable movement. A generally U-shaped closure12, which is pivotally attached to the sides of the container 10, formsa hood over the neck portion 10a and applicator ball 11 and confines thelatter in assembled relation Within the pocket. The closure 12 may beshuttled back and forth over the applicator ball 11 between an openapplicating position (FIG. 1), in which position the applicator ball 11is capable of transferring a smooth and uniform film of the containerscontents when rolling motion is imparted thereto, and a closednon-applicating position (-FIG. 4), which precludes a drying up,leakage, evaporation or other similar loss or waste of the containerscontents when the assembly is not being used for applicating purposes.

In greater detail, container 10, which is preferably fabricated fromglass or other material, such as plastic, metal, or the like, suitablefor the retention of various fluid and semi-fluid substances, includes adispensing opening 10b, defined by the interior surface of the annularneck portion 100, and, forms a passage through which the containerscontents flow and contact the surface of the applicator ball 11 when thecontainer ltl is inverted preparatory to use. Internally of the neckportion 10a and in the region of the inner end thereof, the dispensingopening lllb is partially restricted and defines a pocket ltlc in whichto gravitationally support the applicator ball 11 for universalrotatable motion. As illustrated in FIG. 3, this restriction of thedispensing opening 10b is formed by projections 10d which extendradially inward from the wall of the dispensing opening; and, althoughone projection may be sufiicient in certain instances, at least threesuch projections arranged in substantially evenly spaced relationshipare usually preferable. Additionally, the projections Hid may beintegrally formed with the wall of the dispensing opening, asillustrated in FIGS. 14, or may be formed independently thereof andinserted in the dispensing opening, as in a manner to be subsequentlydescribed in relation tothe modified forms of this invention illustratedin FIGS. -l5. Pins are integrally formed on or otherwise aflixed toopposite exterior sides of the container it and provide a pivotalmounting for pivotal or shuttle-like movement of the U-shaped closure12. The outer end of the neck portion 10a defines an annular rim Itlehaving an upwardly facing surface upon which the closure 12 may slideand which is shaped in the form of a cylindrical segment having an axisof radial symmetry normal to and intersecting the axis of the dispensingopening 19a and coinciding with the pivotal axis defined by pins rltlf.

The applicator ball 11, which serves to transfer a smooth and uniformcoating of the containers contents, is fabricated from a resilientlydeformable material such as rubber, polyethylene, or other material ormaterials having similar characteristics of resilientness, pliability,scalability and the like, and is sufficiently resilient that acompressive force substantially in excess of that normally imposed uponthe applicator ball 11 during ordinary application will deform ordistend the ball in the manner 4 shown in FIG. 4 and cause same toengage the wall of the pocket itlc in fluid impervious sealedrelationship, as for example at ltlh.

The closure 12 is preferably constructed from a plastic material such aspolystyrene, but may likewise be constructed of metal or otherresiliently deformable material which is resistant to corrosion whenexposed to the contents of the container and which possesses a greaterdegree of rigidity than the applicator ball 11. The closure ball 11. Theclosure 12 is characterized by a U- sha ed hood-type construction which,as previously men tioned, overlies the rim Me of the container neckportion 101;, and which may be moved transversely across the dispensingopening 10b in shuttle-like manner between alternative open and closedpositions. The closure 12 includes: a rim or bight portion 12a having acylindrical bottom or underside cam surface 12b mating with thecylindrical segment end surface portion of the rim 162 on the containerneck portion ltla, a pair of depending side walls spaced in parallelismalong opposite sides of the container neck portion Illa and,respectively, defining transverse openings 12a located at thegeometrical axis of the cylindrical bight portion 12a which,respectively receive pins lily for pivotal or shuttle-like movement ofthe closure I2 on the container 10. The closure 12 may be readilymounted on pins 10f by distending the resilient side walls 120 of theclosure sufficiently to permit the pins 10 to be snapped into thetransverse openings 12d. The mating configuration of the cam surface 12band the end surface of the rim ltle permits pivotal sliding movement ofthe bight portion 120 of the closure along the rim we of the container10 while retaining a frictional seal therebetween which precludesleakage or seepage of the containers contents from around the outer endof the container neck portion 1%. The cam surface 12b is thus disposedin a path intercepting the protruding or exposed portion 11a of theapplicator ball 11. Also included on the underside of the closure 12 anddefined on the cam surface 12s in a location spaced along the pivotalaxis of the closure there may be provided a recess 12g which receives anupper portion of the deformed applicator ball ll when the closure ispivoted or shuttled to its closed position.

From the foregoing description it will be readily apparent that with theclosure 12 positioned as in FIG. 1, with the protruding portion Ha ofthe applicator ball 11 protruding through the discharge orifice 12 thecontainers contents may be applied in a smooth and uniform manner bymerely bringing the applicator ball ll into rolling contact with thesurface to which application is desired, realizing of course that thecontainer should be first inverted or shaken in order to moisten the surface of the applicator ball with the containers contents. It willlikewise be apparent that when application is not desired the closure 12may be shuttled to a closed position, shown in FIG. 4, wherein the camsurface 121') frictionally slides on the rim Iile of the container neckportion Tile and overrides the applicator ball 11, thus compressing theapplicator ball against the projections 10d and causing it to deform anddistend radially outward into sealing engagement with the wall of thepocket file to form a fluid-impervious annular seal as at ill/1, whichextends continuously around the pocket and prevents leakage orevaporation of the containers contents. Likewise the recessed portion12g of the arcuate rim 12b will permit a portion of the compressedapplicator ball 11 to snap therein and retain the closure 12 in closedposition until it is manually shuttled back to its open position and,thus, help to avoid the possibility of accidentally opening the closure,as when the assembly is being carried in a ladys handbag or the like.

In the modified embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 69,there is illustrated a container 15 having a conventional reduceddiameter neck portion 15a. Inserted in the neck portion 15a of thecontainer 15, there is a rigid annular sleeve 16 which is preferablyconstructed from polystyrene, or other rigid plastic, glass, or metallicmaterial. The sleeve 16 includes a radial external flange 16a located atthe outer end of the sleeve and which seats firmly on the rim 15o of theneck portion 15a, and prevents the sleeve 16 from being displaced intothe container. On the interior surface of the sleeve 16 there are aplurality of spaced inwardly directed projections 1632, best shown inFIG. 7, which restrict the interior bore of the sleeve 16 and define apocket 160 in which the applicator ball is loosely confined foruniversal rotational movement when the closure is in an open position,as shown in FIG. 7. The upper surface of the radial flange 16a defines acylindrical segment surface centered on pins to provide a continuouscontact with the underside of the arcuate rim 1.2a of the closure 12 andto form a sliding frictional seal therewith, similar in purpose andmanner to the seal between the rim ltle of the container lltl and theclosure 12 described in the first-mentioned embodiment of thisinvention. In this instance also, the applicator ball 11 is fabricatedfrom a resilient, deformable material, which is compressed into sealingengagement with the wall of the pocket 160, as at 16d, when the closure12 is shuttled to its closed relative position, illustrated in FIG. 8.

In FIGS. 10-12 there is illustrated still another embodiment of thisinvention. In this embodiment a rigid applicator ball 17, which may befabricated from glass, polystyrene, metal, or the like, replaces theresilient, deformable ball described in the previous two embodiments. Inthis latter embodiment an annular fitment 18, in all essential respectsidentical in external appearance to the sleeve 16 shown in FIG. 5, issnugly inserted in the neck of container 15 and houses the applicatorball 17. The fitment is fabricated from polyethylene, or other materialhaving similar characteristics of resiliency, softness, and scalability,and is shaped to fit snugly within the neck 15a of the container. Aradial external shoulder 18a seats on the rim of the container. Definedwith: in the fitment 1S and positioned beneath a lower chordal segmentof the applicator ball 17, there is a continuous annular sealing surface13b, best illustrated in FIG. 10. A flexible resilient internalprojection is provided, such as for example a diametrical rib lficextending trans versely across the bore of the fitment 13, and normallysupports the ball 1'7 in an elevated position relative to sealingsurface i811. The radial shoulder 18a, like the flange 16a in FIGS. 6-9,is formed with an upper surface configuration shaped to define acylindrical segment providing continuous sliding contact between thefitment and the underside of the closure 12.

In its functional aspect, the diametrical rib 18c sup ports theapplicator ball 17 in a position elevated from the sealing surface 1%and with an outer segment of the applicator ball 17a protruding throughthe discharge orifice 12] in the closure 12, when the closure 12 is inits open or applicating position shown in FIG. 10. However, when theclosure 12 is pivoted or shuttled to its closed position, as shown inFIG. ll, the closure 12. depresses the applicator ball 17 causing theresilient rib to yield inwardly until the applicator ball 17 is firmlysealed against the annular sealing surface 1%. In reverse manner, whenthe closure is pivoted or shuttled to its open position, FIG. 10, thediametrical rib 180, which although resilient and flexible issufficiently rigid to resist the pressures ordinarily imposed upon theapplicator ball during application of the containers contents,resiliently lifts the applicator ball away from the sealing surface 131)and into application position.

An additional inherent function of all of the foregoing embodiments ofthe present invention is more particularly evident in the modified formof the invention illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. In this respect, it will beobserved in the foregoing embodiments that as the closure is shuttledbetween its alternate open and closed positions and intercepts theprotruding portion of the applicator ball it will naturally tend torotate the applicator ball. Thus, as the closure is shuttled from aclosed to an open position the transverse frictional movement of theclosure in contact with the protruding surface of the applicator ballproduces a forceful rotation of the applicatcr ball as the latter isgradually displaced from sealing contact with the wall of the containerneck (FIGS. 1-5) or the wall of the fitment (FIGS. 6-12). Thus, theapplicator ball is subjected to sufficient forceful rotation attendantwith the opening of the closure to overcome the frequent undesirabletendency of the applicator ball to adhere to the wall of the containeror fitment when used in conjunction with various sticky, tacky oradhesive fluids, such as mucilage, and certain types of deodorants,medicants, and the like. Furthermore, the rotation of the applicatorball attending the opening movement of the closure occasions a surfacepre-moistening or prelubrication of the applicator ball with thecontents of the container which are entrapped within the fitment orcontainer neck when the applicator assembly is closed. Suchpre-moistening and pro-lubrication may likewise be achieved by invertingthe container during the opening movement of the closure.

Likewise, the closure imparts a rotational movement to the applicatorball when it is shuttled to a closed position, and as the applicatorball is concurrently forced gradually into contact with the sealingsurface in the container neck or fitment the sealing surface imparts awiping action to the surface of the applicator ball and cleansesresidual fiuid from the surface of the applicator ball.

The modified form of the invention shown in FIGS. 13-15 is adapted toachieve a more pronounced rotation of the applicator ball duringalternate opening and closing movements of the closure; and consequentlyis capable of providing a more effective pre-moistening orpre-lubrication and cleansing of the applicator ball when such functionsare desirable. More particularly referring to FIG. 13, it will beobserved that the applicator ball 17, as illustrated, may be of rigidconstruction, as in FIGS. 10- 12. Also the applicator ball may be ofresilient construction such as the applicator ball 11 shown in FIGS.6-12. The applicator ball is confined in ball and socket relationshipwithin an annular fitment 19 similar in construction with the previouslydescribed fitment 18, but additionally having means adjacent theapplicating end thereof for confining the applicator ball within thefitment independently of the closure 20. Such means may be in the formof one or more integral inwardly protruding tabs 19d which constrict theopen applicating end of the fitment 19 to a size sufilcient to retainthe medial portion of the applicator ball loosely within the confines ofthe fitment. In other respects the fitment 19 may be similar with thefitment .18. For example, the fitment 19 may be fabricated frompolyethylene and is shaped to fit snugly within the neck of thecontainer 15 with a radial external shoulder 19a, best illustrated inFIG. 14-, seating upon the neck rim of the container in sealingrelationship as at 1%. Within the fitment and located beneath a lowerchordal segment of the applicator ball 17 there is formed a continuousannular sealing surface 1%. A flexible internal projection, ordiametrical web resiliently supports the applicator ball 11 andaccommodates depression of the applicator ball into sealing contact withthe sealing surface 1% when the closure is shifted to a closed position,as shown in FIG. 13. An arcuate sealing surface 19 is provided along theupper face of the rim 1% and the tabs 19d to form a sliding sealedsurface on which the closure 20 may be shifted between its alternativeopen and closed positions.

The U-shaped closure 20, like the previously described closure 12 ismounted upon pins or the like on the side of the container 2% forshuttle-like pivotal movement between alternative open and closedpositions and is preferably constructed from a rigid plastic or metallicmaterial having good corrosion resistance. In closed and sealed positionthe closure 20 functions in essentially the same manner as thepreviously described embodiment shown in FIGS. 1012. In this respect,and as shown in FIG. 13, the arcuate bight portion of the closure 20 isprovided with a cam section 20a which slides in sealing relationship, asat Ztlc along the upper arcuate surface of the fitment and interceptsand depresses the applicator ball 17 downwardly upon the diametrical web190 and into sealed continuous peripheral contact with the sealingsurface 1%. By comparison however, the bight portion of the closure 20is imperforate and is shifted completely to one side of the applicatorball 17 to open the assembly and expose the applicator ball for use, asshown in broken lines in FIG. 15. Also, the bight portion of the closure20 is provided with a ball rotating section Zttb which defines a recasedsurface area 2th: extending along a seg ment of the ball contactingunderside surface of the closure bight portion. The recessed surfaceZtle preferably has a knurled or otherwise roughened finish and is ofsufficient depth to permit the diametrical web 19c to resilientlyelevate the applicator ball out of sealing contact with the sealingsurface 11% while still restraining the applicator ball 17 in adepressed position intermediate its normal fully elevated applicatingposition and fully depressed sealed position and as shown in solid linesin FIG. 15 Thus, as the closure is shifted from a closed to an openposition the applicator ball 17 is gradually lifted out of sealingcontact with sealing surface 1% and is brought into frictional contactwith the recessed surface Ztle in the ball rotating section 20a of theclosure 20 and is forcefully rotated under the influence of thefrictional contact of the closure with the applicator ball. Conversely,the applicator ball is rotated as the closure is shifted from an open toa closed position and as the cam section 20a gradually forces therotating applicator ball 17 against the sealing surface 19b residualfluid is wiped from the surface of the ball. Preferably, and asillustrated, the ball rotating section Zttb is formed on the end of theclosure which corresponds to the trailing end of the closure as it isshifted from a closed to an open position. Also, the closure may beprovided with a stop, as at 15b, which governs the extent of pivotalmovement of the closure between open and closed positions and isarranged to engage the rim of the container 15 when the closure is fullyclosed and to rest against the side of the container when the closure isfully opened.

Although, the modified form of the invention shown in FIGS. 13-15, hasbeen illustrated in a preferred embodiment in conjunction with a rigidapplicator ball and a fitment, it is understood that the imperforateclosure therein shown and described may likewise be employed with aresiliently deformable applicator ball and/ or with a container neckportion having integral projections forming a socket for the applicatorball merely by providing the container neck portion or fitment with tabssimilar to tabs 19d or other suitable ball restricting means capable ofretaining the applicator ball in assembly when the closure is shifted toan open position.

In any event the ball rotation effected as an incident of opening andclosing the closure, permits the full surface of the applicator ball tobe pre-moistened with the contents of the container during opening andcauses the surface of the applicator to be wiped clean during closing.Also, the forceful rotation occasioned during opening of the closurefrees the applicator ball from its frequent tendency to freeze or adhereto the surface of its confining element.

Among other advantages, the present invention provides a ball-typeapplicator assembly having a novel closure which is not subject to beinglost or misplaced, and which permits the applicator assembly to beopened and closed in a more convenient mamier, since it is not necessaryto remove and replace the closure before and after each use of theapplicator. Also, the forceful rotation imparted to the applicator ballby the cam surface on the underside of the bight portion of the closureovercomes the frequent tendency of the applicator ball to adhere to thesurface of the confining socket so as to provide free rotation of theapplicator ball when the closure is shuttled to an open position.Additionally, the surface of the applicator ball may be pre-moistened orpre-lubricated with the containers contents by merely inverting thecontainer while the closure is being opened. Conversely, a forcefulrotation imparted to the applicator ball when the closure is shuttled toa closed position causes the ball to be wiped substantially clean ofresidual fluid as it is pressed and rotated against the sealing surfacedefined Within the ball confining element.

It will, of course, be understood that various details of constructionmay be modified throughout a wide range without departing from theprinciples of this invention, and it is not, therefore, the purpose tolimit the patent granted hereon otherwise than as necessitated by thescope of the appended claims.

1 claim:

1. The combination of: a dispensing container defining a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pockettherein; an applicator ball loosely resting within said pocket andhaving an outer segment protruding axially outward from said container;at least one of the members of the group consisting of said restrictingmeans and said applicator ball having a resilient and flexibleconstruction to accommodate depression of said applicator ball into saidpocket; a closure overlying said dispensing opening and carried by saidcontainer for shuttle-like movement across said dispensing openingbetween alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening, said closure defining an orifice diametricallysmaller than said applicator ball and traversed by said outer segment ofsaid applicator ball when said closure is in said open position, saidclosure also defining a cam surface intercepting said outer segment ofsaid applicator ball and depressing said applicator ball into anenclosed position within said pocket when said closure is in said closedposition.

2. The combination of: a dispensing container having a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pockettherein; an applicator ball loosely resting within said pocket andhaving an outer segment protruding axially outward from said container;at least one of the members of the group consisting of said restrictingmeans and said applicator ball having a resilient and flexibleconstruction to accommodate depression of said application ball intosaid pocket; a closure overlying said dispensing opening and pivotallymounted for shiftable shuttle-like movement across said dispensingopening between alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening; said closure defining an orifice diametricallysmaller than said applicator ball and traversed by said outer segment ofsaid applicator ball when said closure is in said open position, andsaid closure also defining a cam surface intercepting said outer segmentof said applicator ball and depressing said aprplicatcr ball intosealing contact with the wall of said pocket when said closure is insaid closed position.

3. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; means located within said neck portion partially restrictingsaid dispensing opening and forming a pocket therein; a resilientlydeformable applicator ball loosely resting within said pocket and havingan outer segment protruding axially outward from said neck portion; aclosure overlaying said neck portion and pivotally mounted forshuttle-like movement across said neck portion between alternative openand closed positions relative to said dispensing opening,

said closure defining an orifice diametrically smaller than saidapplicator ball and receiving said outer segment of said applicator balltherethruigh when said closure is in said open position, and saidclosure also defining an interior cam surface intercepting said outersegment of said applicator ball and thereby deforming said applicatorball into an enclosed position within said pocket when said closure isin said closed position.

4. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; means disposed within said neck portion partially restrictingsaid dispensing opening and forming a pocket therein; the Wall of saidpocket defining a continuous annular sealing surface surrounding saidpocket; an applicator ball loosely resting within said pocket, at leastone of the members of the group consisting of said restricting means andsaid applicator ball having a resilient and flexible construction toaccommodate depression of said applicator ball into said pocket, saidapplicator ball having an inner segment overlying said sealing surfaceand having an outer segment protruding axially outward from said neckportion; a closure overlying said neck portion and pivotally mounted forshuttle-like movement across said neck portion be tween alternative openand closed positions relative to said dispensing opening, said closuredefining an orifice diametrically smaller than said applicator ball andre ceiving said outer segment of said applicator ball therethrough whensaid closure is in said open position, and said closure also defining aninterior cam surface intercepting said outer segment of said applicatorand depressing said applicator ball into sealing contact with saidannular sealing surface when said closure is in said closed position.

5. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating axially with the interior ofthe container; and annular rim surrounding the outer axial end of saiddispensing opening defining an outwardly facing end surface, said endsurface being arcuate about an axis normal to and intersecting the axisof said dispensing opening; an applicator ball loosely resting withinsaid pocket and having an outer segment protruding axially outward fromsaid dispensing opening; means partially restricting said dispensingopening and forming a pocket therein; at least one of the members of thegroup consisting of said restricting means and said applicator ballhaving a resilient and flexible construction to accommodate depressionof said applicator ball into said pocket; a closure pivotally carried bysaid container for shuttle-like movement across said neck portionbetween alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening, said closure pivotal axis coinciding with said axisof said arcuate end surface, said closure having an arcuate surfaceconcentric with and frictionally contacting said arcuate end surface ofsaid annular rim, said closure also defining an orifice through saidarcuate surface and restricted in size for receiving said outer segmentonly of said applicator ball therethrough when said closure is in saidopen position, and a cam surface on said closure intercepting said outersegment of said applicator ball and depressing said applicator ball intoan enclosed position within said pocket when said closure is in saidclosed position.

6. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; means for partially obstructing the inner axial end of saiddispensing opening and for forming a pocket therein; an applicator ballloosely resting Within said pocket and having an outer segmentprotruding outwardly from said container, at least one of the members ofthe group consisting of said restricting means and said applicator ballhaving a resilient and flexible construction to accommodate depressionof said applicator ball into said pocket; a U-shaped closure overlyingsaid dispensing opening having a bight portion l@ spacing oppositelyfacing depending side walls, said side walls being mounted forshuttle-like movement of said bight portion across said neck portionbetween alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening, said bight portion defining an orifice diametricallysmaller than said applicator ball and arranged to receive said outersegment of said applicator ball therethrough when said closure is insaid open. position and having a surface portion arranged to interceptsaid outer segment of said applicator ball and depress said applicatorball into an enclosed position Within said pocket when said closure isin said closed position.

7. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating axially with the interior ofthe container; an annu'lar rim on the outer end of said neck portionsurrounding said dispensing opening, said rim defining a convexoutwardly facing end surface having an axis of radial symmetry normal toand intersecting the axis of said dispensing opening; means partiallyrestricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket therein; aresiliently deformable applicator ball loosely resting Within saidpocket and having an outer segment protruding axially outward from saidneck portion; a closure overlying said dispensing opening and pivotallycarried by said container for shuttlelike movement across said neckportion between alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening, said closure pivotal axis coinciding with said axisof radial symmetry of said end portion, said closure having an interiorsurface concentric with and contacting said end surface of said annularrim in continuous frictional sealing relation, said closure alsodefining an orifice smaller in size than said applicator ball andreceiving said outer segment of said applicator ball therethrough whensaid closure is in said open position and having a cam surfaceintercepting said outer segment of said applicator ball and deformingsaid applicator ball into an enclosed position within said pocket whensaid closure is in said closed position.

8. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular rim on the outer end of said neck portionsurrounding said dispensing opening, said rim defining a convexoutwardly facing end surface having an axis of radial symmetry disposednormal to and intersecting the axis of said dispensing opening; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pockettherein; a resiliently deformable applicator ball loosely resting withinsaid pocket and having an outer segment protruding axially outward fromsaid neck portion; a -U-shaped closure having a bight portion overlyingsaid neck portion and having depending side Walls straddling said neckportion, said side walls being pivota'lly carried by said container,said pivotal axis coinciding with the axis of radial symmetry of saidend surface of said rim for shuttle-like movement of said bight portionacross said dispensing opening between alternative open and closedpositions, said bight portion having an arcuate surface concentric withsaid contacting said arcuate end surface of said rim in continuousfrictional sealing relation, and said bight portion also defining anorifice smaller in size than said applicator ball and receiving saidouter segment of said applicator ball therethrough when said closure isin said open position, and a cam surface on said closure interceptingsaid outer segment of said applicator ball and deforming said applicatorball into sealing contact with the wall of said pocket when said closureis in said closed position.

9. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular sleeve disposed within said neck portion partiallyrestricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket therein; anapplicator ball loosely resting within said pocket and having an outersegment protruding axially outward from said neck portion; at least oneof the members of the group consisting of said restricting means andsaid applicator ball having a resilient and flexible construction toaccommodate depression of said applicator ball into said pocket; aclosure overlying said neck portion; means for shiftably mounting saidclosure on said container for shuttle-like movements across said neckportion between alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening; said closure defining an orifice smaller in sizethan said applicator ball and receivin said outer segment of saidapplicator ball therethrough when said closure is in said open position,and said closure also having a cam surface intercepting said outersegment of said applicator ball and depressing said applicator ball intoan enclosed position within said pocket when said closure is in saidclosed position.

10. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular sleeve element disposed Within said neck portionand having means therein partially restricting said dispensing openingand forming a pocket therein, said sleeve having a radial rim juttingover the outer end of said neck portion; an applicator ball looselyresting within said pocket and having an outer segment protrudingaxially outward from said neck portion, said applicator ball beingconstructed from a resiliently deformable material; a closure overlyingsaid rim; means pivotally connecting said closure to the exterior ofsaid container for shuttle-like movement of said closure across said ribbetween alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening; said closure defining an orifice smaller in sizethan said applicator ball and receiving said outer segment of saidapplicator ball therethrough when said closure is in said open position,and said closure also defining an interior cam surface intercepting saidouter segment of said applicator ball and deforming said applicator ballinto an enclosed position within said pocket when said closure is insaid closed position.

11. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular sleeve located within said neck portion partiallyrestricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket therein, saidsleeve having a radialrim jutting over the outer end of said neckportion and defining an arcuate outwardly facin end surface having anaxis of radial symmetry normal to and intersecting the axis of saiddispensing opening; an applicator ball loosely resting within saidpocket and having an outer segment protruding axially outward from saidneck portion; at least one of the members of the group consisting ofsaid annular sleeve and said applicator ball having a resilient andflexible construction to accommodate depression of said applicator ballinto said pocket; a closure pivotally carried by said container forshuttle-like movement across said neck portion between alternative openand closed positions relative to said dispensing opening, said closurehaving an arcuate surface concentric with and contacting said arcuateend surface of said radial rim in continuous frictional sealingrelation, said closure also defining an orifice through said arcuatesurface of restricted size for receiving said outer segment only of saidapplicator ball therethrough when said closure is in said open position,and an interior cam surface on said closure intercepting said outersegment of said applicator ball and depressing said applicator ball intoan enclosed position within said pocket when said closure is in saidclosed position.

12. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular sleeve located within said neck portion partiallyrestricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket therein, saidsleeve having a radial rim jutting over the outer end of said neckportion and defining an arcuate outwardly facing end surface having anaxis of radial symmetry normal to and intersecting the axis of saiddispensing opening; a resiliently deformable applicator ball looselyresting within said pocket and having an outer segment protrudingaxially outward from said neck portion; a closure pivotally carried bysaid container for shuttle-like movement across said neck portionbetween alternative open and closed postions relative to said dispensingopening, said closure having an arcuate surface concentric with andcontacting said arcuate end surface of said radial rim in continuousfrictional sealing relation, said closure also defining an orificethrough said arcuate surface of smaller size than said applicator balland receiving said outer segment of said applicator ball therethroughwhen said closure is in said open position, and an interior cam surfaceon said closure intercepting said outer segment of said applicator balland deforming said applicator ball into said dispensing opening and intosealing contact with the wall of said pocket to seal said dispensingopening when said closure is in said closed position.

13. The combination of: a dispensing container defining -a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; an annularfitment disposed within said dispensing opening, said fitment having atleast one resilient inwardly projecting shoulder partially restrictingsaid dispensing opening and forming a pocket therein; a rigid applicatorball loosely resting within said pocket and having an outer segmentprotruding axially outward from said neck portion; a closure overlyingsaid dispensing opening; means for shiftably mounting said closure onsaid container for shuttle-like movement between alternative open andclosed positions relative to said dispensing opening; said closuredefining an orifice of smaller size than said applicator ball andreceiving said outer segment of said applicator ball therethrough whensaid closure is in said open position, and said closure also defining aninterior cam surface intercepting said outer segment of said applicatorball and depressing said applicator ball against said resilient shoulderand into an enclosed position within said pocket when said closure is insaid closed position.

14. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communieating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular fitment of elastomeric material telescoped withinsaid neck portion, said fitment having at least one inwardly projectingshoulder partially restricting said dispensing opening and forming apocket therein and having a radial flange forming a rim overlying theouter end of said neck portion; a rigid applicator ball loosely restingwithin said pocket and having an outer segment protruding axiallyoutward from said rim; a closure overlying said neck portion andpivotally mounted for shuttle-like movement across said rim betweenalternative open and closed positions relative to said dispensingopening; said closure defining an orifice diametrically smaller thansaid applicator ball and receiving said outer segment of said applicatorball therethrough when said closure is in said open position, and saidclosure defining an interior cam surface intercepting said outer segmentof said applicator ball and depressing said applicator ball against saidshoulder and into sealing contact with the wall of said pocket when saidclosure is in said closed position.

15. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular fitment telescoped within said neck portion, saidfitment having at least one resilient inwardly projecting shoulderpartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pockettherein and having a radial flange forming a rim overlying the outer endof said neck portion, said flange defining an arcuate outwardly facingend surface having an axis of radial symmetry normal to and intersectingthe axis of said dispensing opening; a rigid applicator ball looselyresting within said pocket and having an outer segment protrudingaxially outwardly from said neck portion; a closure overlying said neckportion and pivotally carried by said container for shuttle-likemovement across said radial flange between alternative open and closedpositions relative to said dispensing opening, said closure having anarcuate surface concentric with and contacting said arcuate end surfaceof said radial flange in continuous frictional sealing relation, saidclosure also defining an orifice through said arcuate surface, saidorifice being of smaller size than said applicator ball and receivingsaid outer segment of said applicator ball therethrough when saidclosure is in said open position, and a cam surface intercepting saidouter segment of said applicator ball and depressing said applicatorball against said resilient shoulder and into an enclosed positionwithin said pocket when said closure is in said closed position.

16. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular fitment telescoped within said neck portion, saidfitment having at least one resilient inwardly projecting shoulderpartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pockettherein and having a radial tflange forming a rim overlying the outerend of said neck portion, said flange defining an arcuate outwardlyfacing end surface having an axis of radial symmetry normal to the axisof said dispensing opening; a rigid applicator ball loosely restingwithin said pocket and having an outer segment protruding axiallyoutward from said neck portion; a closure overlying said neck portionand pivotally mounted for shuttle-like movement across said radialflange between alternative open and closed positions relative to saiddispensing opening; said closure having an interior surface concentricwith and contacting said outwardly facing end surface of said radialflange in continuous frictional sealing relation, said closure alsodefining an orifice smaller in size than said applicator ball andreceiving said outer segment of said applicator ball therethrough whensaid closure is in said open position, and an interior cam surfaceintercepting said outer segment of said applicator ball and depressingsaid applicator ball against said resilient shoulder and into sealingcontact with the wall of said pocket when said closure is in said closedposition.

17. The combination of: a dispensing container having a neck portiondefining a dispensing opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer; an annular fitment telescoped within said neck portion, saidfitment having at least one resilient inwardly projecting shoulderpartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pockettherein and having a radial flange forming an annular rim overlying theouter end of said neck portion, said annular rim defining an arcuateoutwardly facing end surface having an axis of radial symmetry normal tothe axis of said dispensing opening, a rigid applicator ball looselyresting Within said pocket and having an outer segment protrudingaxially outward from said neck portion; a continuous annular sealingsurface defined by the wall of said pocket and spaced beneath aperipheral segment of said applicator ball; a closure overlying saidneck portion and pivotally mounted for shuttle-like movement across saidradial flange between alternative open and closed positions relative tosaid dispensing opening, said closure defining an orifice of smallersize than said applicator ball and receiving said outer segment of saidapplicator ball therethrough when said closure is in said open position,and said closure having an interior surface concentric with andcontacting said outwardly facing end surface of said radial flange incontinuous frictional sealing relation, said closure also defining aninterior cam surface intercepting said outer segment of said applicatorball and depressing said applicator ball against said resilient shoulderand into sealing contact with said sealing surface when said closure isin said closed position.

18. The combination of: a dispensing container defining a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket incommunication with said container with the pocket being the only passagefor fluid passing out through said dispensing opening; an applicatorball loosely resting within said pocket and having an outer segmentprotruding axially outward from said container; at least one of themembers of the group consisting of said restricting means and saidapplicator ball having a resilient construction to accommodatedepression of said applicator ball into said pocket; a closure, meansmounting said closure in overlying relationship with said dispensingopening for shuttle-like movement thereacross between alternative openand closed positions, said closure defining an opening of smaller sizethan said applicator ball and receiving said outer segment of saidapplicator ball therethrough when said closure is in said open position,said closure also defining a cam surface intercepting said outer segmentand depressing said applicator ball into said pocket closing saiddispensing opening when said closure is in said closed position.

19. The combination of: a dispensing container defining a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket incommunication with said container with the pocket being the only passagefor fluid passing out through said dispensing opening; an applicatorball loosely resting within said pocket and having an outer segmentprotruding axially outward therefrom; at least one of the members of thegroup consisting of said restricting means and said applicator ballhaving a resilient construction to accommodate depression of saidapplicator ball into said pocket; a closure, means mounting said closurein overlying relationship with said pocket for shuttle-like movementthereacross between alternative open and closed positions, said closuredefining an opening of smaller size than said applicator ball andreceiving said outer segment of said applicator ball therethrough whensaid closure is in said open position, said closure also defining a camsurface intercepting said outer segment and depressing said applicatorball into said pocket closing said dispensing opening when said closureis in said closed position.

20. The combination of: a dispensing container defining a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket incommunication with said container with the pocket being the only passagefor fluid passing out through said dispensing opening; an applicatorball loosely confined within said pocket and having an exposed outersegment protruding axially outward therefrom; at least one of themembers of the group consisting of said restricting means and saidapplicator ball having a resilient construction to accommodatedepression of said applicator ball into said pocket; a closure, meansmounting said closure in overlying relationship with said pocket forshuttle-like movement thereacross between alternative open and closedpositions, said closure defining a cam surface intercepting said outersegment and depressing said applicator ball in said pocket closing saiddispensing opening when said closure is in said closed position andintercepting and rotating said applicator ball when said closure isshuttled towards said. open position.

21. The combination of: a dispensing container defining a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pocket incommunication with said container with the pocket being the only passagefor fluid passing out through said dispensing opening; an applicatorball loosely confined Within said pocket and having an outer segmentprotruding axially outward therefrom; at least one of the members of thegroup consisting of said restricting means and said applicator ballhaving a resilient construction to accommodate depres sion of saidapplicator ball into said pocket; a closure,

means mounting said closure in overlying relationship with said pocketfor shuttle-like movement thereacross between alternative positionsopening and closing said pocket, said closure defining a cam surfaceintercepting said outer segment and rotating and depressing saidapplicator ball in said pocket when said closure is shuttled across saidpocket between said opening and closing positions.

22. The combination of: a dispensing container defining a dispensingopening communicating with the interior of the container; meanspartially restricting said dispensing opening and forming a pockettherein; an applicator ball loosely confined within said pocket andhaving an outer segment protruding axially outward from said pocket; aclosure, means mounting said closure in 3; 5 overlying relationship withsaid pocket for shuttle-like movement thereacross between alternativeopen and closed positions, said closure defining a cam surfaceintercepting said outer segment and rotating said applicator ball withinsaid pocket when said closure is shuttled across said pocket betweensaid open and closed positions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,417,975 Crane May 30, 1922 1,589,107 Campbell June 15, 1926 2,006,484Schooley July 2, 1935 2,719,997 Acherrnan Oct. 11, 1955 2,823,403Whitney Feb. 18, 1958 2,883,690 Holler Apr. 28, 1959

